Cardiovascular disease risk assessment

ABSTRACT

The invention provides improved methods for analyzing cardiovascular disease risk. According to the invention, an algorithm that considers LDL and HDL subfractions, along with Lp(a) provides significant improvement in predicting CVD versus standard assays that include standard risk factors. Methods of the invention comprise measuring LDL and HDL subfractions in addition to Lp(a) without reference to standard risk factor measurements, such as CRP, total cholesterol, body mass index, weight, triglycerides, and the like. It is unexpected that an algorithm focusing only on LDL and HDL subfractions and Lp(a) would be more informative as to CVD risk than measurements that are much more comprehensive in terms of the markers that are reviewed. In particular, the sdLDL-C subfraction of LDL and the ApoA-1 in large alpha-1 HDL are most informative in conjunction with Lp(a).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/080,833, filed Nov. 17, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to predicting cardiovascular risk.

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), consisting of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, carotid artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease (PVD), is the leading cause of death in the United States. About 82.6 million Americans have some form of CVD (39% of the population). Average US life expectancy is 77.9 years. Age-adjusted CVD death rates decreased 32.8% between 1998 and 2008. 1 in 3 of all deaths (2.471 million) are from CVD, and about 1 in 2 known causes of death. In 2009 there are 150,000 CVD deaths in people <65 yrs.

Every 25 seconds someone in the United States has a heart attack (2,718/day), and every 40 seconds someone has a stroke (2,178/day). Of the 2.437 million deaths in the United States in 2009 according to the National Center for Health Statistics 24.6% are from CHD, 5.3% are from stroke, and another 4.7% are from diabetes and kidney disease (most deaths are due to CVD). In 2008 there are 785,000 new CHD events/year, 470,000 recurrent CHD events, and 195,000 silent heart attacks. According to the CDC 15.26 million people (6%) have CHD, 59.26 million (25%) have high blood pressure, and 6.23 million (3%) have had a stroke.

Many of the more serious complications of CVD can be treated or prevented through early detection and identification of at risk individuals. Early treatment and lifestyle adjustments are key to preventing CVD progression and complications. Current methods of identifying populations with elevated risk of CVD are not accurate enough to encourage patients to make difficult lifestyle changes or to support recommendations for treatments that may carry a risk of negative side effects.

SUMMARY

The invention provides improved methods for analyzing cardiovascular disease risk. According to the invention, an algorithm that considers LDL and HDL subfractions, along with lipoprotein a (Lp(a)) provides significant improvement in predicting CVD versus standard assays that include standard risk factors. Methods of the invention comprise measuring LDL and HDL subfractions in addition to Lp(a) without reference to standard risk factor measurements, such as CRP, total cholesterol, body mass index, weight, triglycerides, and the like. It is unexpected that an algorithm focusing only on LDL and HDL subfractions and Lp(a) would be more informative as to CVD risk than measurements that are much more comprehensive in terms of the markers that are reviewed. In particular, the sdLDL-C subfraction of LDL and the ApoA-1 in large alpha-1 HDL are most informative in conjunction with Lp(a).

In certain aspects, the invention provides a method for assessing cardiovascular risk. The method includes conducting an assay to determine blood levels of an LDL subfraction, an HDL subfraction, and Lp(a) as well as subjecting the levels to an algorithm to determine whether one or more of the LDL subfraction, the HDL subfraction, and the Lp(a) are statistically different than predetermined thresholds. Further, the method includes assessing cardiovascular risk based upon results of the algorithm. Preferably, neither the conducting step nor the subjecting step considers C-Reactive protein.

In some embodiments, the method includes obtaining information about one or more of a patient's age, history of blood pressure treatment, smoking, and diabetes; and including the information in the subjecting step. The conducting step and the subjecting step can each ignore any measure of triglycerides, total cholesterol, body mass index, waist circumference, and use of cholesterol or glucose lowering medication. Any suitable assay may be used such as, for example, an enzymatic assay, high-performance liquid chromatography, affinity chromatography, an immunoassay, a radioassay, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, colorimetry, and an electrochemical assay. The assay may be performed on a sample obtained from a patient. In some embodiments, a therapy (e.g., a statin) is administered to the patient based on the assessed cardiovascular risk. The method may be used to produce a report describing the cardiovascular risk for the patient. For example, the report may be provided to the patient printed on paper.

Aspects of the invention provide a method of predicting the risk of a patient developing cardiovascular disease. The method includes the steps of obtaining a sample from the patient who presents as negative for cardiovascular disease; conducting an assay on the sample to determine a level of small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) in the sample; conducting an assay on the sample to determine a level of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) in the sample; conducting an assay on the sample to determine a level of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) in the sample; and entering said levels into a multivariate model to predict a risk of the patient developing cardiovascular disease. Preferably, the level of apoA-I in the sample comprises the level of apoA-I in large α- high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the sample.

In certain aspects, the invention provides a method for assessing cardiovascular risk. The method includes obtaining a sample from a patient and conducting an assay on the sample to determine blood levels of an LDL subfraction, an HDL subfraction, and Lp(a). The levels are entered into a multivariate model to produce a probability of the individual developing cardiovascular disease. In certain embodiments, methods may include obtaining information about one or more of the patient's age, history of blood pressure treatment, smoking, and diabetes and entering the obtained information into the multivariate model. In various embodiments, the multivariate model does not include a C-Reactive protein level and in some embodiments, the model does not include triglycerides, total cholesterol, body mass index, waist circumference, patient use of cholesterol lowering medication, and patient use of glucose lowering medication.

Methods of the invention may include an assay such as an enzymatic assay, high-performance liquid chromatography, affinity chromatography, an immunoassay, a radioassay, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, colorimetry, or an electrochemical assay. Methods may include administering a therapy to the patient based on the assessed cardiovascular risk. The therapy may include administering a statin drug or ezetimibe or recommending or implementing lifestyle changes. In certain embodiments methods include producing a report describing the

In certain aspects, the invention provides a system for analyzing cardiovascular disease (CVD) hazards. The system includes a processor coupled to a memory subsystem having instructions stored therein that when executed by the processor cause the system to perform a number of steps. These steps include creating a record for a subject and obtaining for the subject and storing in the record a set of subject levels that include an SdLDL-C level (mg/dL), a level of ApoA-1 in a-1 HDL (mg/dL), and a Lipoprotein(a) level (mg/dL). Steps executed by the system also include appending, to the record, information for the subject for age (years), smoker status (y/n), use of blood pressure medication (y/n). Additional steps include retrieving a pre-determined coefficient set from the memory subsystem; applying the predetermined coefficient set to the set of subject levels to determine an a CVD hazard factor (x); and operating an output device operably connected to the processor to provide a report indicating a level of future CVD hazard for the subject.

In certain embodiments, the processor may operate to send the report from the output device to a medical facility. The predetermined coefficient set may consist of numerical coefficients A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, wherein the CVD hazard factor (x) is determined according to the following: x=A+B*(the age)+C*(the smoker status)+D*(the SdLDL-C level)+E*(the level of ApoA-1 in a-1 HDL)+F*(log(Lipoprotein(a)) level)+G*(the use of blood pressure medication).

In certain embodiments, the memory subsystem may have instructions stored therein that when executed by the processor, cause the system to further determine from the CVD hazard factor, a probability (p) of the subject developing CVD wherein p=1/(1+ê(−x). In various embodiments, A may be within 25% of -6.4752, B may be within 25% of +0.0655, C may be within 25% of +0.5816, D may be within 25% of +0.0144, E may be within 25% of −0.0235, F may be within 25% of +0.257, and G may be within 25% of +0.6254. In certain embodiments, A may be −6.4752, B may be +0.0655, C may be +0.5816, D may be +0.0144, E may be −0.0235, F may be +0.257, and G may be +0.6254.

The report may indicates a high risk of CVD for the subject when p >0.5 and the output device may include a network interface card (nic) and the report may comprise a file provided to the medical facility using the nic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 diagrams an exemplary method of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention provides assays and improved methods for analyzing cardiovascular disease risk. The invention relates to algorithms for determining elevated risk of developing CVD with increased accuracy over current recommended standards such as those promulgated in Goff Jr D C, et al., 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk, Journal of the American College of Cardiology(2013), doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2013.11.005. According to the invention, an algorithm considering LDL and HDL subfractions (e.g., small, dense LDL-C and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) level in large α-1 HDL-C) along with Lp(a) may be used to indicate an elevated risk of developing CVD. Algorithms of the invention may also account for patient age and/or gender along with a patient's history of smoking, diabetes, and/or blood pressure treatment.

FIG. 1 diagrams an exemplary method 101 of the invention. In the diagramed method 101, a sample may be collected from a subject 103 and one or more assays performed on the sample to determine subject levels of SdLDL-C, ApoA-1 in a-1 HDL, and a Lipoprotein(a) 105. Patient information may be obtained related to the patient's age, smoking status, and blood pressure treatment or medication 107. Predetermined coefficients may then be applied to the levels and history in multivariate model to produce CVD hazard factor (x) 108. Once a CVD hazard factor is determined, it may be provided in a report 109.

Methods may include measuring the concentration of apo A-I (the major protein of HDL) in individual HDL particles after they have been separated by two dimensional gel electrophoresis and imaged with an apoA-I specific antibody. Other approaches include separating HDL by ultracentrifugation and then stain the protein or measure the cholesterol, or measure nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) fatty acid signals to obtain estimations of HDL particles. Other approaches include separating HDL particles by ion mobility.

There are five major apoA-I containing HDL particles, with various functions. Very small preβ-1 HDL pick up cholesterol from cells, and are coverted to small α-4 HDL. The cholesterol on α-4 HDL particles has a fatty acid attached to it to become cholesteryl ester in the core of HDL, and the α-4 HDL are converted to medium α-3 HDL, large α-2 HDL, and finally to very large α-1 HDL. Cholesteryl ester on the medium α-3 HDL can also be transferred to triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Alternatively α-3 HDL can enlarge to large α-2 and very large α-1 HDL than donates cholesterol to the liver for removal from the body. The apoA-I can recycle back to very small HDL particles.

Low levels of apoA-I in the very large α-1 HDL have been shown to be a much better predictors of CHD than HDL-C or apoA-I levels alone (40-42). Based on studies in participants in the Framing Offspring Study, for every 1 mg/dL increase in apoA-I in the very large α-1 HDL particles there was a 26% decrease in CVD risk. Optimizing the levels of these particles is linked with the statin/niacin combination to significant regression of coronary artery atherosclerosis. Both significant weight loss, niacin alone and statin alone can have very beneficial effects on normalizing HDL particles (lowering very small pre-β-1 HDL and raising very large α-1 HDL). In CVD patients already on statin therapy those with elevated triglycerides (>200 mg/dL) and low HDL cholesterol (<35 mg/dL) get substantial CVD risk reduction when niacin is added to statin therapy (14). The same is true for diabetics already on statin therapy in terms of getting benefit from the addition of fenofibrate treatment (19). Our measurement of HDL particles can precisely identify which patients require and will benefit from niacin or fenofibrate when they are already receiving statin treatment.

The term “α-1 HDL particle” or “α-1”, as used herein, refers to the apoA-I concentration in the HDL particles with a median size of about 11.0 nm. It is one of the most important HDL particles for predicting heart disease. This large particle delivers cholesterol to the liver. This HDL particle is large and lipid-rich; it contains 6 molecules of apoA-I, a large amount of free cholesterol and phospholipids (PL) on the surface, and cholesterol ester and TG in the core. This is the particle that interacts with scavenger receptor B1 (SRB1) in the liver and dumps cholesterol into the bile. A decreased level marks an inadequate HDL metabolism and is associated with increased risk for CVD. A value below 12.0 mg/dl is associated with increased heart disease risk in men and a value below 18.0 mg/dl is associated with increased heart disease risk in women, while a value between 12.0 mg/dl and 17.0 mg/dl in men and a value between 18.0 mg/dl and 28.0 mg/dl in women is considered borderline. A value above 17.0 mg/dl in men and above 28.0 mg/dl in women is considered normal.

The term “apolipoprotein A-I” or “apoA-I”, as used herein, refers to the measure of the most abundant protein component of HDL having a 28 kilo Daltons (KD) molecular weight. ApoA-I is an essential component of HDL; low level of apoA-I is associated with low level of HDL-C and high risk for CVD.

HDL subpopulation analysis by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis involves separation of lipoproteins. HDL can be separated by electrophoretic mobility into preβ,α, and preα-mobility particles, and can be separated by size in the range of from about 6 nanometers to about 12 nanometers. Specifically, lipoproteins are fractionated primarily with respect to differences in their electrophoretic mobility and/or size. When lipoproteins are fractionated using the electrophoretic technique, they are separated into the fractions of preβ-mobility HDL, α-mobility HDL, and preα-mobility HDL. A patient with CVD has less of α-1 HDL and α-2 HDL, and more of preβ-1 HDL. High levels of α-1 and α-2 are associated with low risk for CVD, while high level of preβ-1 HDL is associated with high risk for CVD. The results of HDL subpopulation analysis will allow the healthcare practitioner to more effectively treat patients with agents, such as various statin drugs and niacin, to normalize these particles and decrease CVD risk.

Apo A-I may be determined through immune-turbidimetric assay. The following information pertains to Apo A-I detection in patients and at risk levels:

Patient Preparation 8-12 hour fast prior to collection. Patient should preferably drink water only. Preferred Specimen1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST/Tiger Top)

Alternate Specimen1.0 mL EDTA plasma (0.5 mL minimum) collected in plasma separator tube (Pearl Top)

Transport Temperature: Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)

Stability at Room Temperature: 1 day; Refrigerated: 8 days

Lab Values:

Male

Optimal: >160 mg/dL

Borderline: 120-160 mg/dL

High risk: <120 mg/dL

Female

Optimal: >180 mg/dL

Borderline: 140-180 mg/dL

High risk: <140 mg/dL

Clinical Significance: Low levels are associated with higher CVD risk.

Lipoprotein A Detection

Lp(a) is an LDL-like particle with a protein known as apo(a) attached to it. An elevated level of Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases. Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) assay are standardized with the Apolipoprotein Standardization Program, Northwest Lipid Research Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., directed by Dr. Santica Marcovina. In studies with the Lipid Research Clinics Trial and the Framingham Offspring Study, the data indicate that the results of these assays are significant predictors of coronary heart disease (CHD), better than the standard LDL-C and HDL-C measurements (22-25). Moreoever an Lp(a) assay may be isoform independent and provide good information about CHD risk. It may provide calculated values and ratios that have been found to very useful in CHD risk prediction: % of LDL-C as sdLDL-C, VLDL-C, non HDL-C, total cholesterol/HDL-C, apoB/apoA-I, VLDL-C/Triglyceride, and HDL-C/Triglyceride. Many healthcare providers have requested these ratios.

The term “lipoprotein (a)” or “Lp(a)”, as used herein, refers to an LDL particle with another protein (referred to as apo(a)) attached thereto. A high value of this particle can interfere with the process of breaking up clots in a person's arteries. An Lp(a) value above 30 mg/dl is considered high, while a borderline value is between 20 mg/dl and 30 mg/dl, and an optimal value is below 20 mg/dl. A high value is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

For example, LDL cholesterol may be measured using ultracentrifugation methods, electrophoresis methods, precipitation methods, methods that use polyethylene-glycol modified enzymes, methods that use synthetic polymers, immunological separation methods, and catalase reagent methods.

Ultracentrifugation for measuring LDL cholesterol separates lipoproteins based on their differing hydrated densities, which are adjusted by adding salts such as NaBr or KBr. Particularly, the proportion of lipid associated with the proteins for any one particular lipoprotein adds to the buoyancy of the lipoprotein complex, which allows it to be separated. Preparative fractionations are achieved by subjecting serum or plasma to ultracentrifugation at the native non-protein solute density, which floats TG-rich BLDL and chylomicrons. Those can be recovered using tube slicing or aspiration. The bottom fraction contains the LDL and HDL, which can be re-centrifuged, after adding salt, to float LDL.

For measuring of LDL-C by electrophoresis, lipoproteins may be separated using a variety of electrophoric media, such as paper, agarose gel, cellulose acetate, and polyacrylamide with one or more buffers. A preferred electrophoresis separation and immune-detection technique is described in co-owned and co-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,470,541, incorporated by reference. A common technique uses agarose gels to separate lipoproteins followed by precipitation with polyanions and densitometric scanning. This technique can be approved by the introduction of enzymatic cholesterol determination using cholesterol esterase, cholesterol dehydrogenase, and nitroblue tetrazolium chloride dye. An alternative technique uses agarose gel modified by addition of a cation such as magnesium, which slows migration of β and pre-β lipoproteins, producing a distinct additional band between pre-β and a lipoproteins, demonstrated to be Lp(a) by immunofixation. Addition of urea to the gel allows simultaneous quantification of the β, pre-β, and α fractions as well as Lp(a)-cholesterol with the mobility of Lp(a) independent of apo(a) size polymorphisms.

Lp(a) levels may be determined by immunoturbidimetric assay using the following method:

Patient Preparation: None

Preferred Specimen: 1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST/Tiger Top)

Alternate Specimen: 1.0 mL EDTA plasma (0.5 mL minimum) collected in plasma separator tube (Pearl Top)

Transport Temperature: Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)

Stability when Refrigerated: 2 weeks

Lab Values:

Optimal: <20 mg/dL

Borderline: 20-30 mg/dL

High risk: >30 mg/dL

Clinical Significance: Elevated levels are an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, cerebral vascular disease, vein graft stenosis and retinal artery occlusion.

SD LDL-C Level Detection

High blood levels of the cholesterol found in smaller, denser LDL (sdLDL-C) particles are associated with atherosclerosis—the build-up of fatty materials in arteries—increasing the risk for CVD events.

LDL subclasses are separated directly from plasma by non-equilibrium density-gradient ultracentrifugation using a six-step, curvilinear salt gradient. After centrifugation in a Beckman Optima XL100 ultracentrifuge [(2.02×105 g for 23 h) at 23° C.] in a swinging-bucket rotor (Beckman SW40Ti), the separated LDL subclasses are eluted from the tube by upward displacement through a micro-flow cell and detected by continuous spectrophotometric monitoring at 280 nm. The contents of the tube are collected into two pools: an initial pool of 2 ml containing the lighter, TG-rich lipoproteins (TGRL), followed by a 4 ml pool containing the total LDL. The lipoprotein content of these pools was established initially by collecting a large number of fractions across the density gradient and comparing the total protein concentration in these fractions (protein concentration profile) with the continuous-flow lipoprotein profile obtained at 280 nm. LDL subclasses are quantified by dividing proportionately the concentration of apo B in the 4 ml LDL pool on the basis of the relative percentage of each LDL subclass, as calculated from the relative percentage area beneath the profile of individual LDL subclasses. The areas beneath the LDL subclass curves are corrected for variations in the molar absorption coefficient at 280 nm across the lipoprotein profile, as described previously. The within-batch (within-rotor) and between-batch (between-rotor) coefficients of variation for the relative percentages of LDL subclasses are less than 6% and 6.5% respectively, as previously reported [20].

We report a method in which plasma may be adjusted to a density (D) of 1.044 and 1.060 g/ml, respectively, in two tubes, both of which may undergo ultracentrifugation (UC). A measure of SD-LDL apolipoprotein B (apo B) may be obtained by subtraction of the apo B concentration in D>1.060 g/ml lipoproteins from that in D>1.044 g/ml lipoproteins to correct for apo B associated with lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)]. This procedure may be evaluated in paired plasma samples in healthy men (n=62) and in age-matched healthy women (n=74) and in age-matched primary dyslipidaemic men (n=72) and women (n=29) and compared with an established density-gradient ultracentrifugation (DGU) method.

An enzymatic assay can be used to quantify the amount of cholesterol in sdLDL particles which are denser and more atherogenic LDL-particles using the following method:

Patient Preparation: 8-12 hour fast prior to collection. Patient may drink water only.

Preferred Specimen: 1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST/Tiger Top)

Alternate Specimen: 1.0 mL EDTA plasma (0.5 mL minimum) collected in plasma separator tube (Pearl Top)

Transport Temperature: Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)

Stability while Refrigerated: 3 days

Lab Values:

Optimal: <20 mg/dL

Borderline: 20-40 mg/dL

High risk: >40 mg/dL

Clinical Significance: High levels are associated with a 2- to 3-fold increased risk for CVD events and rate of arteriographic progression.

Methods of the invention may include the recommendation or administration of the following treatment options: diet; exercise and weight loss, if indicated; surgeries including stents, angioplasty, heart bypass surgery, valve disease treatment, cardioversion, enhanced external counter pulsation, ablation, or implantation of a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or a left ventricular assist device, or heart transplant; treatment with a drug such as ace inhibitors, angiotension II receptor blockers, antiarrhythmics, antiplatelet drugs, aspirin, beta-blocker therapy, statin therapy, calcium channel blocker drugs, clot buster drugs, digoxin, diuretics, nitrates, niacin, ezetimibe, fibrates, warfarin, or other blood thinners.

After selecting the appropriate parameters or biomarkers as described herein, well-known techniques such as cross-correlation, Principal Components Analysis (PCA), factor rotation, Logistic Regression (LogReg), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Eigengene Linear Discriminant Analysis (ELDA), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Recursive Partitioning Tree (RPART), related decision tree classification techniques, Shrunken Centroids (SC), StepAIC, Kth-Nearest Neighbor, Boosting, Decision Trees, Neural Networks, Bayesian Networks, Support Vector Machines, and Hidden Markov Models, Linear Regression or classification algorithms, Nonlinear Regression or classification algorithms, analysis of variants (ANOVA), hierarchical analysis or clustering algorithms; hierarchical algorithms using decision trees; kernel based machine algorithms such as kernel partial least squares algorithms, kernel matching pursuit algorithms, kernel Fisher's discriminate analysis algorithms, or kernel principal components analysis algorithms, or other mathematical and statistical methods can be used to develop the predictive algorithm. A selected population of individuals (i.e., a reference set or reference population) is used to train the algorithm, where historical information is available regarding the values of the selected parameters in the population and their clinical outcomes. To calculate a risk of developing a diabetic condition for a given individual, parameter values are obtained from one or more samples collected from the individual and/or from non-biological sources (i.e. completed questionnaires, etc.) obtained from the individual and used as input data (inputs into a predictive algorithm fitted to the actual historical data obtained from the selected population of individuals).

Any formula or algorithm may be used to combine selected parameter results into indices useful in the practice of the invention. As indicated above, and without limitation, such indices may indicate, among the various other indications, the probability, likelihood, absolute or relative risk, time to or rate of conversion from one disease state to another.

Although various preferred formula are described here, several other model and formula types beyond those mentioned herein and in the definitions above are well known to one skilled in the art. The actual model type or formula used may itself be selected from the field of potential models based on the performance and diagnostic accuracy characteristics of its results in a training population. The specifics of the formula itself may commonly be derived from selected parameter results in the relevant training population. Amongst other uses, such formula may be intended to map the feature space derived from one or more selected parameter inputs to a set of subject classes (e.g. useful in predicting class membership of subjects as normal, pre-Diabetes, Diabetes), to derive an estimation of a probability function of risk using a Bayesian approach (e.g. the risk of Diabetes), or to estimate the class-conditional probabilities, then use Bayes' rule to produce the class probability function as in the previous case.

Preferred formulas include the broad class of statistical classification algorithms, and in particular the use of discriminant analysis. The goal of discriminant analysis is to predict class membership from a previously identified set of features. In the case of linear discriminant analysis (LDA), the linear combination of features is identified that maximizes the separation among groups by some criteria. Features can be identified for LDA using an eigengene based approach with different thresholds (ELDA) or a stepping algorithm based on a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Forward, backward, and stepwise algorithms can be performed that minimize the probability of no separation based on the Hotelling-Lawley statistic.

Eigengene-based Linear Discriminant Analysis (ELDA) is a feature selection technique developed by Shen et al. (2006). The formula selects features (e.g. parameters) in a multivariate framework using a modified eigen analysis to identify features associated with the most important eigenvectors. “Important” is defined as those eigenvectors that explain the most variance in the differences among samples that are trying to be classified relative to some threshold.

A support vector machine (SVM) is a classification formula that attempts to find a hyperplane that separates two classes. This hyperplane contains support vectors, data points that are exactly the margin distance away from the hyperplane. In the likely event that no separating hyperplane exists in the current dimensions of the data, the dimensionality is expanded greatly by projecting the data into larger dimensions by taking non-linear functions of the original variables (Venables and Ripley, 2002). Although not required, filtering of features for SVM often improves prediction. Features (e.g., parameters/biomarkers) can be identified for a support vector machine using a non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis (KW) test to select the best univariate features. A random forest (RF, Breiman, 2001) or recursive partitioning (RPART, Breiman et al., 1984) can also be used separately or in combination to identify biomarker combinations that are most important. Both KW and RF require that a number of features be selected from the total. RPART creates a single classification tree using a subset of available biomarkers.

Other formula may be used in order to pre-process the results of individual selected parameter measurement into more valuable forms of information, prior to their presentation to the predictive formula. Most notably, normalization of parameter results, using either common mathematical transformations such as logarithmic or logistic functions, as normal or other distribution positions, in reference to a population's mean values, etc. are all well known to those skilled in the art. Of particular interest are a set of normalizations based on parameters not derived from biological samples such as age, gender, race, or sex, where specific formula are used solely on subjects within a class or continuously combining such a parameter as an input. In other cases, sample based parameters can be combined into calculated variables (much as BMI is a calculation using Height and Weight) which are subsequently presented to a formula.

In addition to the individual parameter values of one subject potentially being normalized, an overall predictive formula for all subjects, or any known class of subjects, may itself be recalibrated or otherwise adjusted based on adjustment for a population's expected prevalence and mean parameter values, according to the technique outlined in D'Agostino et al. (2001) JAMA 286:180-187, or other similar normalization and recalibration techniques. Such epidemiological adjustment statistics may be captured, confirmed, improved and updated continuously through a registry of past data presented to the model, which may be machine readable or otherwise, or occasionally through the retrospective query of stored samples or reference to historical studies of such parameters and statistics. Additional examples that may be the subject of formula recalibration or other adjustments include statistics used in studies by Pepe, M. S. et al, 2004 on the limitations of odds ratios; Cook, N. R., 2007 relating to ROC curves; and Vasan, R. S., 2006 regarding biomarkers of cardiovascular disease. In addition, the numeric result of a classifier formula itself may be transformed post-processing by its reference to an actual clinical population and study results and observed endpoints, in order to calibrate to absolute risk and provide confidence intervals for varying numeric results of the classifier or risk formula.

Parameter selection may involve utilizing a selection model to validate the representative population data set and selecting the parameter data from the data set that provides the most reproducible results. Examples of data set validation may include, but are not limited to, cross-validation and bootstrapping. From the parameter selection, the model to be used in evaluating a risk of developing a diabetic condition may be determined and selected. However, it is noted that not all models provide the same results with the same data set. For example, different models may utilize different numbers of parameters and produce different results, thereby adding significance to the combination of biomarkers on the selected model. Accordingly, multiple selection models may be chosen and utilized with the representative population data set, or subsets of the data set, in order to identify the optimal model for risk evaluation. Examples of the particular models, including statistical models, algorithms, etc., which may be used for selecting the parameters have been described above.

For each selection model used with the data set, or subset thereof, the parameters are selected based on each parameter's statistical significance in the model. When inputted into each model, the parameters are selected based on various criteria for statistical significance, and may further involve cumulative voting and weighting. Tests for statistical significance may include exit-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The model may include classification models (e.g., LDA, logistic regression, SVM, RF, tree models, etc.) and survival models (e.g., cox), many examples of which have been described above.

It is noted that while parameters may be applied individually to each selection model to identify the statistically significant parameters, in some instances individual parameters alone may not be fully indicative of a risk for a diabetic condition, in which case combinations of parameters may be applied to the selection model. For example, rather than utilizing univariate parameter selection, multivariate parameter selection may be utilized. That is, a parameter may not be a good indicator when used as a univariate input to the selection model, but may be a good indicator when used in combination with other parameter (i.e., a multivariate input to the model), because each parameter may bring additional information to the combination that would not be indicative if taken alone.

Leading candidate models may be selected based on one or more performance criteria, examples of which have been described above. For example, from using the data set, or data subsets, with various models, not only are the models used to determine statistically significant parameters, but the results may be used to select the optimal models along with the parameters. As such, the evaluation model used to evaluate risk may include one of those used as a selection model, including classification models and survival models. Combinations of models markers, including marker subsets, may be compared and validated in subsets and individual data sets. The comparison and validation may be repeated many times to train and validate the model and to choose an appropriate model, which is then used as an evaluation model for evaluating risk of a diabetic condition.

In certain embodiments, a predictive multivariate model of CVD risk may include the following variables which may be determined from a patient sample (e.g., blood or plasma): an SdLDL-C level (mg/dL), a level of ApoA-1 in α-1 HDL (mg/dL), and a log(Lipoprotein(a)) level (mg/dL). Additionally, the model may include information from a patient history including age (years), smoker status (y/n), and use of blood pressure medication (y/n). These sets of values may be entered into a model that includes a pre-determined set of coefficients. The model may then transform the patient levels and information into a CVD hazard factor indicative of the patient's risk of developing CVD. The CVD hazard factor may be further transformed into a probability (p) score represented as p=1/(1+ê(−x)) where x is the CVD hazard factor. In certain embodiments, a patient report may indicate that a patient is at high risk of developing CVD where p is greater than 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%, for example.

Any development environment or language known in the art may be used to implement embodiments of the invention. Exemplary languages, systems, and development environments include Perl, C++, Python, Ruby on Rails, JAVA, Groovy, Grails, Visual Basic .NET. An overview of resources useful in the invention is presented in Barnes (Ed.), Bioinformatics for Geneticists: A Bioinformatics Primer for the Analysis of Genetic Data, Wiley, Chichester, West Sussex, England (2007) and Dudley and Butte, A quick guide for developing effective bioinformatics programming skills, PLoS Comput Biol 5(12):e1000589 (2009).

In some embodiments, methods are implemented by a computer application developed in Perl (e.g., optionally using BioPerl). See Tisdall, Mastering Perl for Bioinformatics, O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., Sebastopol, Calif. 2003. In some embodiments, applications are developed using BioPerl, a collection of Perl modules that allows for object-oriented development of bioinformatics applications. BioPerl is available for download from the website of the Comprehensive Perl Archive Network (CPAN). See also Dwyer, Genomic Perl, Cambridge University Press (2003) and Zak, CGI/Perl, 1st Edition, Thomson Learning (2002).

In certain embodiments, applications are developed using Java and optionally the BioJava collection of objects, developed at EBI/Sanger in 1998 by Matthew Pocock and Thomas Down. BioJava provides an application programming interface (API) and is discussed in Holland, et al., BioJava: an open-source framework for bioinformatics, Bioinformatics 24(18):2096-2097 (2008). Programming in Java is discussed in Liang, Introduction to Java Programming, Comprehensive (8th Edition), Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, N.J. (2011) and in Poo, et al., Object-Oriented Programming and Java, Springer Singapore, Singapore, 322 p. (2008). Applications can be developed using the Ruby programming language and optionally BioRuby, Ruby on Rails, or a combination thereof. Ruby or BioRuby can be implemented in Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows as well as, with JRuby, on the Java Virtual Machine, and supports object oriented development. See Metz, Practical Object-Oriented Design in Ruby: An Agile Primer, Addison-Wesley (2012) and Goto, et al., BioRuby: bioinformatics software for the Ruby programming language, Bioinformatics 26(20):2617-2619 (2010).

Systems and methods of the invention can be developed using the Groovy programming language and the web development framework Grails. Grails is an open source model-view-controller (MVC) web framework and development platform that provides domain classes that carry application data for display by the view. Grails domain classes can generate the underlying database schema. Grails provides a development platform for applications including web applications, as well as a database and an object relational mapping framework called Grails Object Relational Mapping (GORM). The GORM can map objects to relational databases and represent relationships between those objects. GORM relies on the Hibernate object-relational persistence framework to map complex domain classes to relational database tables. Grails further includes the Jetty web container and server and a web page layout framework (SiteMesh) to create web components. Groovy and Grails are discussed in Judd, et al., Beginning Groovy and Grails, Apress, Berkeley, Calif., 414 p. (2008); Brown, The Definitive Guide to Grails, Apress, Berkeley, Calif., 618 p. (2009).

Methods described herein can be performed using a system that includes hardware as well as software and optionally firmware. For example, a system 501 of the invention may include a computer 549 including an input/output device (I/O), coupled to a processor and a non-transient, tangible memory. The computer may be in communication with other computers or a server 513 through a network 509. A computer such as a personal computing device (e.g., a laptop, desktop, tablet) may be used to implement embodiments of the invention. In general, a computer includes a processor coupled to memory and at least one input/output device.

A processor may be any suitable processor such as the microprocessor sold under the trademark XEON E7 by Intel (Santa Clara, Calif.) or the microprocessor sold under the trademark OPTERON 6200 by AMD (Sunnyvale, Calif.).

Memory generally includes a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage device and can include any machine-readable medium or media on or in which is stored instructions (one or more software applications), data, or both. The instructions, when executed, can implement any or all of the functionality described herein. The term “computer-readable storage device” shall be taken to include, without limit, one or more disk drives, tape drives, flash drives, solid stated drives (SSD), memory devices (such as RAM, ROM, EPROM, etc.), optical storage devices, and/or any other non-transitory and tangible storage medium or media.

Input/output devices according to the invention may include a video display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor), an alphanumeric input device (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse or trackpad), a disk drive unit, a signal generation device (e.g., a speaker), a touchscreen, an accelerometer, a microphone, a cellular radio frequency antenna, and a network interface device, which can be, for example, a network interface card (NIC), Wi-Fi card, or cellular modem.

In various embodiments, systems and methods of the invention may include the generation of a report. Such reports may be digital or physical. Reports may include information regarding a patient's CVD risk and may be produced by a computer and sent to an output device such as a monitor or a printer. In certain embodiments a digital report may be sent via an NIC or other output device to a medical provider or directly to a patient through digital communication methods such as e-mail. In certain aspects, a report may be stored on one or more computers or servers and accessed by the patient, the patient's medical provider, or other individuals via an online portal or website for viewing on or downloading to that individual's computer. In certain embodiments, reports may include CVD risk evaluations according to the invention performed at multiple time points for one or more individuals so that disease or disease risk progression may be observed over time or compared to an individualized baseline for an individual patient or patient population based on their early or first measured CVD hazard factor or CVD risk profile.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Reference Set

A reference set of 2,620 men and women with a mean age of 58 years were followed for 8.5 years. A number of parameters were evaluated among the converters (those who developed CVD within the study period) and non-converters (those who did not develop CVD within the study period), C reactive protein (CRP), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, total cholesterol, direct low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), small dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C), lipoprotein(a), and apolipoprotein (apo) A-I content of HDL particles as separated by two dimensional gel electrophoresis. Blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, history of diabetes, and use of blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose lowering medications was also assessed. Follow-up information including CVD status over a median of 12.3 years was available for 1,083 men, mean age 59 years and without CVD at onset, of whom 207 (19.1%) developed CVD. A model was developed to predict new onset CVD using only those variables that provided significant information in a stepwise logistic regression analysis to calculate the area under the curve (AROC) and C statistic.

The parameters selected above were then evaluated using stepwise regression analysis. SAS LOGISTIC Procedure was used to perform the analysis. It was determined that the following variables provided an overall C statistic of 0.73: 1. age, 2. blood pressure treatment, 3. Lp(a), 4. sdLDL-C, 5. ApoA-I in large α-1 HDL, 6. smoking, and 7. diabetes. This model was significantly superior to a model using the standard risk factors or one also using CRP (C statistic 0.68).

Example 2

Complete follow-up information including new onset heart disease, stroke or peripheral vascular disease (CVD) over a median of 12.3 years was available for 2,416 men and women, mean age 58 years, all of whom had no CVD at onset of the study.

Of these subjects, 336 developed CVD over the course of the study. Broken down by gender, 207 men (19.1%) and 129 women (9.7%) developed new onset documented CVD. Parameters found to predict CVD in men are shown in table 1 below.

Parameter Controls Cases % Difference Age (years) 57.2 63.1  +10.3**** Treated BP (%) 23.0 43.6 +190.0**** Lipoprotein(a) 21.5 24.6  +14.5*** (mg/dL) Sd LDL-C (mg/dL) 31.4 36.4  +16.0** ApoA-I in α-1 HDL 14.9 12.7  −14.5** (mg/dL) Diabetes (%)  9.7 17.0 +175* Current Smoking (%) 14.2 16.9  +19.0* ****p < 0.0001, ***p < 0.001, **p < 0.01, *p < 0.05, C statistic 0.734

The following variables entered the model and provided an overall C statistic of 0.734:

-   -   1. Age     -   2. Treated high blood pressure     -   3. Lipoprotein(a) with log transf.     -   4. Small dense LDL-C     -   5. ApoA-I in very large α-1 HDL     -   6. Diabetes     -   7. Smoking (within the past year)

The above characteristics, tailored to the data of the study, can provide a multivariate model with the ability to predict CVD using LDL & HDL particles, and Lp(a) that is superior to standard risk prediction methods (C statistic 0.73 vs. 0.68, sdLDL-C better than TC, nonHDL-C, or LDL-C, and apoA-I in large HDL better than HDL-C).

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

References and citations to other documents, such as patents, patent applications, patent publications, journals, books, papers, web contents, have been made throughout this disclosure. All such documents are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

EQUIVALENTS

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting on the invention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for assessing cardiovascular risk, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a sample from a patient; conducting an assay on the sample to determine blood levels of an LDL subfraction, an HDL subfraction, and Lp(a); entering said levels into a multivariate model to produce a probability of the individual developing cardiovascular disease.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: obtaining information about one or more of the patient's age, history of blood pressure treatment, smoking, and diabetes; and entering the obtained information into the multivariate model.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the multivariate model does not include a C-Reactive protein level.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the multivariate model does not include triglycerides, total cholesterol, body mass index, waist circumference, patient use of cholesterol lowering medication, and patient use of glucose lowering medication.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the assay comprises one selected from a group consisting of an enzymatic assay, high-performance liquid chromatography, affinity chromatography, an immunoassay, a radioassay, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, colorimetry, and an electrochemical assay.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising administering a therapy to the patient based on the assessed cardiovascular risk.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein administering the therapy comprises administering a statin drug.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising producing a report describing the cardiovascular risk for the patient.
 9. A method of predicting the risk of a patient developing cardiovascular disease, the method comprising: obtaining a sample from the patient who presents as negative for cardiovascular disease; conducting an assay on the sample to determine a level of small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) in the sample; conducting an assay on the sample to determine a level of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) in the sample; conducting an assay on the sample to determine a level of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) in the sample; and entering said levels into a multivariate model to predict a risk of the patient developing cardiovascular disease.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the conducting an assay to determine a level of apoA-I in the sample comprises determining a level of apoA-I in large α-1 high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the sample.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the assay is selected from a group consisting of an enzymatic assay, high-performance liquid chromatography, affinity chromatography, an immunoassay, a radioassay, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, colorimetry, an electrochemical assay, and a combination thereof.
 12. A system for analyzing cardiovascular disease (CVD) hazards, the system comprising: a processor coupled to a memory subsystem having instructions stored therein that when executed by the processor cause the system to: create a record for a subject; obtain for the subject and store in the record a set of subject levels that include an SdLDL-C level (mg/dL), a level of ApoA-1 in α-1 HDL (mg/dL), and a Lipoprotein(a) level (mg/dL); append, to the record, information for the subject for age (years), smoker status (y/n), use of blood pressure medication (y/n); retrieve a pre-determined coefficient set from the memory subsystem; apply the predetermined coefficient set to the set of subject levels to determine an a CVD hazard factor (x); and operate an output device operably connected to the processor to provide a report indicating a level of future CVD hazard for the subject.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor operates to send the report from the output device to a medical facility.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the predetermined coefficient set consists of numerical coefficients A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, wherein the CVD hazard factor (x) is determined according to: x=A+B*(the age)+C*(the smoker status)+D*(the SdLDL-C level)+E*(the level of ApoA-1 in a-1 HDL)+F*(log(Lipoprotein(a)) level)+G*(the use of blood pressure medication).
 15. The system of claim 14, the memory subsystem having instructions stored therein that when executed by the processor cause the system to further: determine from the CVD hazard factor, a probability (p) of the subject developing CVD wherein p=1/(1+ê(−x).
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein A is within 25% of -6.4752, B is within 25% of +0.0655, C is within 25% of +0.5816, D is within 25% of +0.0144, E is within 25% of -0.0235, F is within 25% of +0.257, and G is within 25% of +0.6254.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein A is -6.4752, B is +0.0655, C is +0.5816, D is +0.0144, E is -0.0235, F is +0.257, and G is +0.6254.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the report indicates a high risk of CVD for the subject when p >0.5.
 19. The system of claim 12, wherein the output device comprises a network interface card (nic) and the report comprises a file provided to the medical facility using the nic. 